What happened
A private pilot was conducting a cross-country flight under Title 14, CFR Part 91 regulations to a remote lodge. The purpose of the flight was to transport a passenger, a heavy equipment mechanic, to the location for work. When the aircraft failed to return at its scheduled time, an aerial and ground search was launched.
Six days after the departure, wreckage was located approximately 37 miles from the departure airport and 7 miles north of the intended destination lodge. The Cessna (type not specified in source) had collided with tree-covered terrain, and a post-impact fire destroyed the aircraft. There were 2 fatalities.
Prior to takeoff, the aircraft was loaded with several heavy items, including six 5-gallon plastic containers of diesel fuel, a 150-pound iron stove, tools, groceries, and a large cooler. The estimated gross weight of the aircraft at the time of the accident was approximately 2,837 pounds, which was roughly 287 pounds over the allowable gross weight.
The investigation
The investigation examined the aircraft's condition and the pilot's medical status. A single seat frame was found in the wreckage near the pilot's station; a passenger had previously reported sitting on a plastic bucket or ice chest during flights because seats were not provided for him.
Medical information indicated the pilot had undergone heart bypass surgery approximately three months prior to the accident and did not possess a valid medical certificate at the time of the flight. Additionally, a toxicological examination of the pilot revealed the presence of Fluoxetine (Prozac), an antidepressant medication prohibited by the FAA.